Hidden in Plain Sight

Like Hidden in Plain Sight, this book provides a deeply researched and humanizing look at the systemic issues of poverty and housing instability. It uses personal narratives to illustrate how the lack of affordable housing traps families in a cycle of invisibility and struggle.

This memoir echoes the themes of economic struggle and the 'working poor' experience found in Stephens' work. It offers an intimate, first-person perspective on the exhaustion and social stigma faced by those living on the margins of society.

Bruder explores the lives of older Americans who have taken to the road to survive, mirroring the exploration of non-traditional living and economic displacement. It captures the same sense of observational empathy and social critique regarding the American Dream.

This book focuses on the medical and social challenges of the homeless population in Boston, much like Stephens' focus on Portland. It highlights the humanity of those living on the streets and the dedicated individuals trying to bridge the gap in care.

A classic in social investigative journalism, this book explores the impossibility of surviving on minimum wage. Fans of Stephens will appreciate the analytical yet personal approach to exposing the hidden hardships of low-income labor.

While a memoir of a specific family, its depiction of extreme poverty and the resilience required to navigate a world without a safety net resonates with the themes of Stephens' book. It balances heartbreaking reality with a strong narrative voice.

Tirado provides a blunt and necessary explanation of why poor people make the choices they do, challenging the same stereotypes addressed in Hidden in Plain Sight. It is a powerful, direct address to the misconceptions about poverty.

This memoir follows a man's descent into homelessness and his eventual redemption, focusing on the unexpected friendships found along the way. It shares the same compassionate lens and focus on the dignity of the individual.

This immersive work of narrative non-fiction follows two generations of a family, providing a complex look at the cycle of poverty. It matches Stephens' commitment to showing the intricate, often tragic realities of life in marginalized communities.

Exploring the intersection of homelessness, mental health, and friendship, this book offers a moving look at a man living on the streets of Los Angeles. It shares the same themes of looking past the surface to find the person underneath.